802.11 Network Throughput Gains due to Space-Time Block Codes

AT&T Research Labs
180 Park Avenue, Room C254
Florham Park, NJ 07932, USA

Monday, April 8th, 11:00 AM, ENS 637

as@research.att.com

Abstract

Space-Time Block Codes represent an exciting development in the field of physical layer data transmission. By employing more than one antenna at the transmitter, and by properly coding data across the transmit antennas, space-time block codes promise improved performance and increased data rates with minimal decoding complexity at the receiver. On the other hand, network performance, as perceived by a mobile wireless application, is determined to a significant degree by a complex interaction between physical layer, link layer, medium access control, and the Transport Control Protocol (TCP).

We have conducted an across-all-layers study of an 802.11a Wireless LAN in order to assess the impact of Space-Time Block Codes on the network performance. Although Space-Time Block Codes are a physical layer technique, there is a measurable impact at both the link and TCP layers. Essentially, Space-Time Block Codes increase link layer throughput, and present to TCP a "smoother" channel, thereby improving the overall network performance.

Biography

Anastasios Stamoulis holds degrees in Computer Engineering (Diploma, University of Patras, Greece, July 1995), Computer Science (Master, University of Virginia, May 1997), and Electrical Engineering (Ph.D., University of Minnesota, December 2000). In January 2001, he joined the AT&T Shannon Laboratory as a Senior Technical Staff Member. His research interests include Wireless Networking, QoS Networks, Digital Communications, and Digital Signal Processing.

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